Major Lanark alert was sparked by talcum powder

Helen McCall

The bottom of Lanark was in uproar on Sunday night, when two fire appliances, the huge Environmental Protection Unit, and two smaller fire service vehicles lined the Westport, the main road out of and into Lanark, with their lights flashing.

And the cause of the alert?

It was talcum powder.

While not giving details as work continued on Sunday night, police offers were stressing that there was no danger: that there was no cause for concern, and no threat to anyone.

But the cause of the alert was revealed on Monday.

“About 6pm on April 3 workers reported an unknown powder present within an address in Biggar,” said a police spokesman. “After assessment, the powder was removed to Lanark police office.

“Officers sought assistance from Scottish Fire and Rescue, who responded.

“The powder was found to be a talcum powder based product, and disposed of.

“There was no threat to health and safety.”

*The Environmental Protection Unit was called to the health centre at Lanark last year, when mercury leaked from a thermomener.